If you were to ask any Arsenal fan how they are feeling at the moment, the chances are they would all say the same thing: delighted with the results, performances and league position, but concerned about the lack of squad depth.
It’s something on the minds of many at the moment, ahead of what will be a crucial stage of the season for Mikel Arteta and his men. The Gunners find themselves eight points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table following a 2-0 win at Tottenham on Sunday. However, it was a weekend filled with mixed emotions after Chelsea successfully hijacked a deal for priority target Mykhailo Mudryk.
Arsenal had been in talks with Shakhtar Donetsk for months as they looked to strike a deal for the Ukrainian winger, but in a dramatic turn of events, Chelsea won the race and presented Mudryk to the Stamford Bridge crowd just 24 hours later. It was a sight that would have left a bitter taste in the mouth of those inside - and outside - the club, but there remain 15 days left to ease the blow.
READ MORE: Thierry Henry hands Arsenal transfer approval for £100m Mykhailo Mudryk alternative
So the question now on everyone’s mind is – what next? Well, Arsenal have been offered wantaway Brighton forward Leandro Trossard according to the Evening Standard, while there remain a number of other possible alternatives Arteta and Edu could yet turn to.
One name that hasn’t been mentioned but could represent a very solid option is Leeds United’s Jack Harrison. Despite their struggles over the past couple of seasons, Harrison has been one of Leeds’ most consistent players, producing moments of quality home and away.
In fact, the 26-year-old played a key role in helping the club avoid relegation last year, scoring eight goals in 35 appearances including a hat-trick away to West Ham. His best season yet though came during the 2020/21 campaign under Marcelo Bielsa, when he scored eight goals and assisted a further eight across 36 appearances.
Another factor that makes Harrison a perfect fit for Arsenal is his ability to play on either flank. Predominantly a left-winger, he has played 87 games on the right-hand side, allowing him to cut inside on his preferred left foot.
An added bonus in signing Harrison is that Arteta will know exactly what type of player - and person - he would be getting after coaching him at Manchester City. The former England U21 international worked under Arteta during pre-season in 2018 and has since revealed that he learned a lot from the Spaniard.
“I only worked with him for one pre-season and watching the way he worked alongside Pep was inspirational,” Harrison told Sky Sports News. “He (Arteta) wouldn't even remember saying certain things to me and other players around me as well. It was only small to him but it can make a big difference to us as players especially being so young and wanting to learn so much as well.
“You can tell he's very intelligent, he knows a lot about the game and working along with Pep you can see why he's got the reputation,” Harrison added.
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